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The greatest gift is the
gift of the teachings
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Dharma Talks
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2026-01-15
The Gift of Practice: A Choice in Every Moment
45:10
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James Baraz
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It seems with every day of news, there is more uncertainty, deep concern and unease. As much as we would like to, we can't control reality. However, the great gift of practice is that we can choose how to skillfully relate to our experience. This is a time for our practice to hold us. Instead of reacting impulsively in ways that just contract us more or with actions we later regret, we can respond effectively with a wise heart. This talk discusses teachings and practices that help us make that wiser choice.
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Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley
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2026-01-13
Guided Compassion (Karuna) Practice (Retreat at Spirit Rock)
56:16
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Gullu Singh
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This talk explores karuṇā as the heart that meets suffering with kindness and the sincere wish for its relief, without attachment to outcome. Compassion is not kind behavior but a wholesome state of mind from which wise action naturally flows. The talk distinguishes karuṇā from empathy: affective empathy can lead to exhaustion by taking on others’ pain, while compassion is “feeling for,” supported by warmth and equanimity. Rather than merging with suffering, we attune to the care already present within it. Karuṇā is a brahmavihāra—abundant, immeasurable, and energizing—capable of meeting personal and global pain with clarity and agency. Practical guidance is offered: begin with manageable suffering, pair compassion with balance, use simple phrases, and end with spaciousness for all beings.
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Spirit Rock Meditation Center
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Metta Retreat: Teachings and Practices to Cultivate a Wise, Compassionate, and Responsive Heart
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